Abstract: A cross-over tool including a housing having an extension port therein, a gravel pack port sleeve having a gravel pack port structure and a seal disposed at a radially inward surface of the port structure, and an activation sleeve having an opening therein, the activation sleeve being in dynamic sealing contact with the seal of the port structure. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a completion string in the borehole, and a tool disposed in the completion string. A method for gravel packing a borehole including releasing the housing from a latch connected to a workstring, applying tension to the activation sleeve with the workstring, and aligning the opening of the activation sleeve with the gravel pack port.

Abstract: A particulate handling apparatus (1) and method which is suitable for the transfer of kinetic energy from particles of transported particulate material and which lessens the damage suffered by said particulate material by the removal of that kinetic energy. The apparatus includes baffles (9) to reduce the kinetic energy and which are within a shaped vessel into which particulate material is fed through entry port (3) and from which the particulates are removed by exit port (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the separating efficiency of a separating device of a pneumatic material conveying system, such as of a waste conveying system, in which the material to be transported, is separated from the transporting air, and/or for preventing blocking of the output aperture for the transporting air of the separating device. The transporting air and the material coming with it are initially brought into a rotating movement in the chamber space of the separating device. The transporting air is deflected in the chamber space of the separating device, and is conducted into the output channel. The flow of transporting air is acted upon in the chamber space of the separating device or in the output channel by bringing about a guiding effect for the transporting air in the opposite direction with respect to its direction of rotation.

Abstract: Cylindrical prescription containers are propelled through a pneumatic transport system at high speeds by low pressure, high-velocity air. Upon arrival at destination stations within the transport system, curvilinear decelerators slow them by directing them through a plurality of curved paths where they dissipate momentum. Once slowed, the containers are deposited upon a moving conveyor to be staged into the next processing station at an even pace. The decelerators comprise curved vanes surrounding the container path, the vanes being held in a fixed, curvilinear relation to each other and the container by a series of yokes surrounding and engaging the vanes. The conveyor is driven by a servo motor controllable by the transport system to pace containers as needed by the next processing station.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus has a manifold body, and ports defined through walls thereof, with a delivery conduit connected to each port. A port valve is configured to connect and disconnect the delivery conduit to the interior of the manifold body. A supply conduit delivers a product air stream with agricultural products entrained therein to the interior of the manifold body. The supply conduit extends vertically up from the manifold to a curved elbow and then extends horizontally from the elbow. An exhaust orifice is defined in the inner radius of the elbow. When an exhaust valve is open, a selected flow of pressurized air flows from the supply conduit through the exhaust orifice. The port valve and exhaust valve are controlled such that when the port valve closes, the exhaust valve opens. The exhaust air can be directed into the delivery conduits to clear product therefrom.

Abstract: An air seeder venting system comprising a filter screen mounted in a distribution head of an air seeder for separating seeds from air fed from a supply conduit, the distribution head having an inlet in communication with the supply conduit, a plurality of seed outlets in communication with seeding lines, and an air exhaust, wherein the filter screen is located so as to have at an upstream side the inlet and the plurality of seed outlets, and at a downstream side the air exhaust.

Abstract: An adhesive melter includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and an interior configured to heat and hold adhesive pellets. The melter includes a lid for providing access to the interior and the outlet port communicates with the interior. An intake conduit is coupled to the inlet port and is configured to deliver forced air and adhesive pellets to the interior. An exhaust conduit is coupled to the outlet port and is configured to remove the forced air from the interior and to receive a filter for trapping particles of the adhesive pellets borne by the forced air. The outlet port and the inlet port are non-concentric but closely spaced and centrally located on the lid and the outlet port is spaced from the inlet port so as to cause the forced air to travel in a generally U-shaped path within the interior of the melter.

Abstract: Distribution unit (21, 23) for distributing material into a number of delimited openings (23) arranged next to each other in such a manner that a transition (27) is provided between the individual openings; and wherein, in connection with the individual transition, a pushing unit (25) is arranged, wherein said pushing unit is arranged such that it is able to actively push material in a direction away from the transition. The distribution unit may partake in a weighing apparatus. Material settling in the transition is pushed down into one of the openings by the pushing unit.

Abstract: A concrete rebound shield and method of use is disclosed. The concrete rebound shield includes a bell defining an opening adapted to receive a feed hose. A collar nests within the opening of the bell and attaches to the feed hose such as to retain the bell onto the feed hose. The bell is adapted to substantially surround the feed hose and direct hydrated concrete toward a selected area.

Abstract: A concrete rebound shield and method of use is disclosed. The concrete rebound shield includes a bell defining an opening adapted to receive a feed hose. A collar nests within the opening of the bell and attaches to the feed hose such as to retain the bell onto the feed hose. The bell is adapted to substantially surround the feed hose and direct hydrated concrete toward a selected area.

Abstract: A flow diverter and a vacuum blower for vibrating screen separator assembly. The flow diverter decelerates and increases the exposed surface of materials. The exhaust blower removes vapors from the materials.

Abstract: A flow diverter and a vacuum blower for vibrating screen separator assembly. The flow diverter decelerates and increases the exposed surface of materials. The exhaust blower removes vapors from the materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling and orienting elastic, thin-walled, tubular members having a closed end and an open end, such as finger cots, such that all tubular members are delivered in the same orientation, the apparatus having a retrieval conduit, a delivery conduit angularly joined to the retrieval conduit, a reversing chamber extending linearly forward from the retrieval conduit and across the opening to the delivery conduit, and suction means to draw the tubular members through the retrieval and delivery conduits. A tubular member traveling in the forward orientation with the closed end forward will be drawn directly into the delivery conduit, while a tubular member traveling in the reverse orientation with the open end forward will first pass the opening to the delivery conduit and strike the barrier end wall of the reversing chamber, and then be drawn into the delivery conduit with the closed end forward.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for loading and unloading pellets into a trailer. Conduits are positioned with at least one opening configured to direct flow toward a central longitudinal axis of the interior region. A blower is connected to an input port, and a suction device is connected to an output port to cause a flow of moving air so that pellets within the interior region are carried with the flow toward the central longitudinal axis, the collector and an output port. A pellet loading pipe has a plurality of spaced openings and deflection plates upstream of each opening. Pellets in the pipe are deflected from the openings until a clog develops downstream, at which time the pellets will exit an opening adjacent the clog until it clogs, and continuing successively until the longitudinal spaced opening proximate the loading port becomes clogged and the interior region is substantially full.

Abstract: A flow director system for transporting ice to a desired locale includes a conduit system and a gas flow gate assembly coupled with the conduit system for directing ice to the desired locale along a desired path defined by the conduit system. The gas flow gate assembly includes a plurality of flow gates disposed along the conduit system and a flow gate controller linked with the plurality of flow gates, whereby the flow gate controller opens and closes the flow gates to route ice flow along the conduit system. In addition, the flow director system preferably includes an ice maker for delivering ice into an ice container. The ice container, in turn, includes a plurality of interface apertures for channeling ice from the ice maker to the conduit system. Moreover, in operation, a gas flow is established through the ice container between the interface apertures to prevent ice blockage about the ice container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for spraying powder into the interior of welded hollow can bodies from a spray gun mounted to the welding arm of a can forming machine. The spray gun can either apply a stripe of highly charged powder on the welded seam areas of hollow can bodies, or can simultaneously apply a coating of powder having a first thickness on the longitudinally welded seam areas and a second thickness less than the first thickness on the remainder of the interior surface. Air is vented off from the powder flow being transported through the welding arm so that the powder to air ratio is increased. Air is introduced at the downstream end of the welding arm to provide a suction force to help draw the powder flow through the welding arm and to increase the velocity of the powder flow for better tribo charging of the powder in the gun and to improve spray pattern stability.

Abstract: A device and process for separating impurities from textile fibers during horizontal pneumatic transport is provided. The device includes a hollow parallelepiped separator of rectangular cross-section for the passage of transport fluids, such as air, therethrough. The passage section is subdivided into an upper part, for the cleaned fluid, and a lower part, for the separation of the impurities (i.e., foreign materials) in a hopper intercepted by an extractor having a seal. This subdivision is regulated by a deflector knife which induces an S-shaped motion of the transport fluid 4 and separates the impurities (i.e., foreign materials) by centrifugal force.

Abstract: An air conveying apparatus includes a housing that defines an inlet through which material, air and other gases enter the housing, a first compartment that communicates with the inlet, a second compartment, a plenum, a material outlet, and an air outlet. Partitions separate the plenum from the first and second compartments and the first compartment from the second compartment. A fan places the plenum and the first and second compartments under negative pressure, drawing air, gases and materials into the housing through the inlet and into the first compartment where the heavier particles drop to the bottom of the housing and out of the material outlet. The fan then draws air and other gas into the second chamber, through at least one filter assembly, and into the plenum through an opening in a partition. An air blast assembly forces material trapped by the filter assembly to drop to the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure feed line for concrete, particularly for use in concrete distributor masts of mobile and stationary concrete pumps. Pressure feed lines of this type generally contain an end hose (12) arranged on the mast tip (10) of the distributor mast, which points down with its outlet aperture (16), via which the transported concrete is discharged on the construction site. In order to avoid undesirable demixing in the end hose, even if the concrete is being pumped slowly, is stiff or low in sand, it is proposed, according to the invention, that an expansion throttle (18) which can be spread open under the effect of the exiting concrete is arranged in the region of the outlet aperture (16) of the end hose (12).

Abstract: A separator for removing pellets from an air flow has a screen inclined to the path of the pellets and which deflects the pellets toward a pellet discharge member for subsequent delivery to a hot melt glue tank. The screen is detachably carried by an air outlet of the separator which, in turn, is detachably mounted on the separator. In a modified air outlet, stacked screens of decreasing aperture cross section are removably secured in place by a bayonet lock on the screens and air outlet.

Abstract: A silencer (70) which is particularly adapted for use with a pneumatic grain conveyor (10) includes a housing (72) with an arrangement of internal baffles (78, 80 and 82) defining a serpentine flow path of increasing cross-sectional area between an inlet (74) and an outlet (76) which is self-cleaning and effects noise reduction without absorptive material that would otherwise quickly clog the silencer.

Abstract: There is provided a tool for stone-blowing comprising upper and lower mating parts (13, 14), the upper part being tubular and the lower part being mainly of channel section and having its lower end closed off by a transverse wall. The wall is shaped internally (19) to direct stones laterally and is shaped externally (22) to facilitate driving the tool into the ground adjacent a sleeper (33) so that the open front of the channel communicates with a void (34) beneath the sleeper. On the upper part is a hopper (11) for stones and below the hopper opening into the upper part is a compressed air inlet (26) and a port (24). In use, compressed air is directed at the rear wall and entrains air through the port (24) and the hopper (11) thereby propelling the stones down the tool and through the open front of the channel and into the void (34).

Abstract: A baffled receiver is situated at the discharge end of a pneumatic fertilizer or seed delivery tube and includes an air discharge or relief portion and a baffle system to receive and guide the seed or fertilizer to a pair of discharge apertures adjacent the base. The baffles and air relief portion even out the flow of material which exits in relatively even amounts through the apertures and onto a V-shaped divider which splits the flow into two streams for delivery into a furrow. It is bolted to the shank at the rear side thereof and just above the cultivator or other ground opening tool on the lower end of the shank. The air discharge or relief plate relieves the pressure of the air stream thus allowing the seed or fertilizer to flow by gravity to the discharge apertures.

Abstract: A nozzle for a fluidized bed firing system in which a pipe for transporting coal/air mixture has an end surrounded by a hood. This pipe extends into the fluidized bed, and an axial exit opening is located between the hood and the pipe. The pipe, moreover, is provided with that axial exit opening, while the hood is spaced from this exit opening. A deflecting face, moreover, is located in a vicinity opposite to the exit opening. A downwardly-pointing baffle is attached underneath a lower edge of the hood, to the pipe so as to be adjustable in height. The deflecting face may be in the form of a cone with a tip pointing towards the exit opening of the pipe. The hood may be provided, furthermore, with a hemispherical cap.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing trim from a conveying fluid medium including a conduit defining a generally rectangular shaped exit opening. A fluid flow attachment plate leads from the opening for redirecting movement of the fluid medium. A screen for interrupting movement of the trim and separating it from the fluid medium is attached to the fluid flow attachment plate.

Abstract: The connecting duct which directs the flock-laden air stream into the chute is provided with a restriction as well as with a ring duct for directing air impulses into the duct via openings on opposite sides of the duct. The restriction causes the air stream to accelerate and, since the air flow is closer to one opening, rather than the other, a reduced pressure is created on that side. This, in turn, causes a pulse of air to travel from one end of the ring duct to the other. The air pulse continues into the connecting duct to deflect the flock-laden air stream towards the other opening. This sequence then continues in rapid fashion to allow an even deposit of the flock in the chute.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for distributing solid particles of the type having a stationary sub-assembly for feeding particles, and positioned at its lower portion, a rotary sub-assembly for distributing the particles, wherein the rotary distribution sub-assembly includes an axial gas feed conduit (10) configured and dimensioned to exit a fluidization gas under a fluidization grate (20) positioned in the lower portion of a centrally located vat (16). The upper peripheral portions of the vat have connected thereto a plurality of radially extending particle distribution conduits (34). All but one of the distribution conduits (34) are generally straight and are of different lengths. These conduits (34) are connected to the vat at approximately the same vertical level and are slanted approximately equally downwardly about 30.degree.. One of the distribution conduits (34.sup.a) is configured to contain a bend so as to direct solid particles toward the rotational axis of the rotary distribution sub-assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for evenly distributing granular material such as plastic pellets into a railway hopper car to reduce the valley angle, eliminate void spaces, and increase the volume of material in each hopper. A cone-shaped deflector is placed in line with each hatch opening at a point below the roof line. The deflector directs material horizontally away from the hatch opening to reduce and virtually eliminate the valley angle for most granular materials. The cone is hung from support struts which may be suspended from an angular mounting ring which is mounted atop the hatch coaming.